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BABE of Whitley County Receives 20,000 Diapers From Hello Bello

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[COLUMBIA CITY, IN] – BABE of Whitley County, a non-profit organization that provides resources and a community for Whitley County families, received more than 20,000 diapers from Hello Bello, an environmentally friendly company that specializes in diapers and personal care items for babies. Celebrity couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are co-founders of the company. 

Executive Director of BABE, Laura Tucker, contacted Hello Bello earlier this year to share BABE’s mission since it aligns closely with their own mission. “Hello Bello believes all parents need access to affordable, premium products for their little ones,” said Tucker. She continued, “Our incentive program rewards families for participating in a variety of programs that benefit both the parents and the child. Thanks to the generosity of Hello Bello, parents now have access to even more diapers when they come in to exchange their earned BABE coupons.”

Tucker described this donation as one of the largest diaper donations they have ever received and the first from a national brand like Hello Bello. “We were thrilled when they offered to send diapers to us, but we had no idea it would be so many,” Tucker added.

Many non-profit organizations are still facing challenges due to the economic downshift caused by COVID-19 in the past year. BABE of Whitley County is also feeling these effects. “COVID-19 has caused us to rethink our fundraising strategy for over a year now,” says Vice-Chair of BABE’s board of directors, Christy Phend. She continues, “We’ve had to find creative ways to be available to the families we serve, and we’ve had to postpone many of our fundraising campaigns. This donation could not have come at a better time for us.” 

To learn more about the services provided by BABE of Whitley County, please visit babewc.org. You can also visit BABE on Wednesdays and Thursdays from Noon – 5:30pm at 533 N. Line Street in Columbia City.

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ABOUT WHITLEY COUNTY BABE

BABE of Whitley County is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people. BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care, including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes, and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers, and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities, and programs to support the families who need it most. Learn more at www.babewc.org.

Press Release, Uncategorized

BABE Announces Laura Tucker as New Executive Director

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BABE Announces Laura Tucker as New Executive Director

Lauran120219[COLUMBIA CITY, IN] – Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes

in providing resources and a community for moms and families, has recently hired a new executive director, Laura Tucker.

Tucker steps into this position with the experience she’s learned in the past three years as the store manager of BABE. She has been playing an active role in the events and fundraising campaigns since she came onboard.

A resident of Whitley County for the past 15 years, Tucker has been raising four children with her husband, Jeremiah. In 2019, Tucker was nominated for a Heart of Gold award through the Community Foundation of Whitley County. This award recognizes people in the community who make Whitley County a nicer place to live and work through their acts of kindness. Tucker was nominated specifically for the impact she has on the moms and families she serves through BABE of Whitley County.

“I’ve been using BABE since my oldest child, now a freshman, was a baby. I’ve watched BABE grow into this wonderful place that not only helps promote healthy families, but we also rally around the moms when they need support.” Tucker said. She continues, “Sometimes that support is just someone to talk to about day-to-day struggles.”

Jacie Stahl, outgoing executive director, decided earlier this month to take a step back from BABE of Whitley County after three years to spend more time with her family which includes homeschooling her youngest son.

In the past three years, Stahl has focused on the community aspect of the organization in addition to continuing BABE’s mission. She has converted the BABE store into a place where many classes take place each month along with an area where moms can get to know other moms.

“For 20 years now, BABE has been a place where moms can use BABE coupons they’ve earned at doctor’s appointments or classes in exchange for essential baby items like diapers and wipes. I felt that it was important to focus on the community aspect as well.” said Stahl. She continued “BABE now offers a space for moms to get to know each other and share their lives with other moms. We’ve created a safe place that moms look forward to coming to each week.”

When asked about what her immediate plans were for BABE, Tucker shared her enthusiasm about reaching more families by adding evening hours to the BABE store for working moms. She also wants to grow the involvement of our community and hopes to focus on Churubusco and South Whitley as well.

Tucker officially steps into her new role on Monday, January 27, and Stahl’s last day will be on January 31st following a farewell party at the BABE store on the 30th. More information including a list of resources and coupon distributors is available at babewc.org

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ABOUT WHITLEY COUNTY BABE
BABE of Whitley County is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people. BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities and programs to provide support to the families who need it most. Learn more at http://www.babewc.org.

Uncategorized

BABE Announces Five New Board Members

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 4, 2019               

 [COLUMBIA CITY, IN] – Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, announced the appointment of five new members to their board of directors.

Tiffany Careins, Soulmedic Advisor for Remedy Live, Nikki Harris, registered nurse, Laura Leffler, long time supporter of BABE, Carol Radke, homemaker/Realtor and Christy Phend, Communications/Marketing specialist for Northeastern REMC.

Each new member will remain on the board through 2023 to complete their term.

“It’s an exciting time at BABE.” says Jacie Stahl, Executive Director of BABE. She continues “The number of families we serve grows monthly. The addition of these directors’ skills and experience will provide valuable perspectives as we continue to execute our strategy and enhance the value of our services for Whitley County families.”

Recently, the board voted on the following executive committee positions:

Chairman – Randi Kennedy
Vice Chairman – Stephanie Smyth
Treasurer – Kathleen Egolf
Secretary – Laura Tucker (non-voting member)

Randi Kennedy, chairman of the board, states “Collaboration has always been an important part of this board. Our skills really compliment each other so well and we have some really great plans for 2020.”

A complete list of board members can be found at babewc.org.

Tiffany Careins
Nikki Harris
Laura Leffler
Carol Radke
Christy Phend

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ABOUT WHITLEY COUNTY BABE

BABE of Whitley County is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people.  BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities and programs to provide support to the families who need it most. Learn more at www.babewc.org.

Uncategorized

BABE Announces Cutest Kid Contest Winners

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DATE: July 24, 2019
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BABE Announces Cutest Kid Contest Winners

 

[COLUMBIA CITY, IN] – Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, raised more than $2,700 at their 7th annual Cutest Kid Contest during the Whitley County 4H Fair.

Leading up to the fair week, parents from Columbia City, Churubusco and South Whitley submitted their child’s photo to be displayed online and at the Whitley County 4H Fair in the commercial building. Then, during the week, votes were collected in the form of monetary donations for each child’s photo.

All proceeds from this event will help the growing families in Whitley County. BABE not only provides assistance with baby supplies like diapers, wipes, clothing and even larger items like strollers and car seats, but the organization has created a community of support for moms. 

“We absolutely love seeing all of these cuties every year! We see lots of grandparents and family members stopping by the booth multiple times to see how the voting is going.” says Jacie Stahl, Executive Director of BABE of Whitley County. She continues, “This is also a great event for us since BABE is 100% grant and community supported. This even allows us to continue to build a community where moms can draw strength from each other.”

“Like last year, online voting was a big contributing factor to the success of this fundraiser. We hope it also helped spread awareness about BABE so we can reach even more families in our community.” Stahl adds.

To learn more about the services provided by BABE of Whitley County, please visit babewc.org.

0---1

Age 0 – 1: Ryker Sheet
Son of Derick and Kirstie Sheets

1---2

Age 1 – 2: Harper Western
Daughter of Kelsey DePasquale & David Western
(Also the grand prize winner for most overall votes)

2---3

Age 2 – 3: Camreigh Schinbeckler
Daughter of James and Amanda Schinbeckler

3---4

Age 3 – 4: Darla Bird
Daughter of Sarah Bird

4---5

Age 4 – 5: Ella & Iram Beard (tied for winner of the age group)
Twins of Michelle & Zach Beard
5---6

Age 5 – 6: Raegan Tucker
Daughter of Laura & Jeremiah Tucker

 

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ABOUT WHITLEY COUNTY BABE

BABE of Whitley County is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people.  BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities and programs to provide support to the families who need it most. Learn more at www.babewc.org.

Contact: Jacie Stahl
jacie@babewc.org
Direct 260-609-0142

 

Fundraising Campaigns

Upcoming Mini-Golf Tournament to Benefit Whitley County Moms and Families

babewc

May 22, 2019

Upcoming Mini-Golf Tournament to Benefit Whitley County Moms and Families

DSC_1172.JPG[COLUMBIA CITY, IN] – Whitley County BABE, a non-profit organization that specializes in providing resources and a community for moms and families, has announced that their annual mini golf tournament is back for the 8th year! This year’s BABE Miniature Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, June 13th at Paige’s Crossing in Columbia City.

This event is the only miniature golf tournament in Northeast Indiana. In the past, local businesses have used this event as a team building exercise or a way to network with other local businesses. This year there will be only one flight in the morning and BABE is encouraging teens to create teams. Teens can enter a group of four, ages 13-17, at a reduced rate.  Adult groups and teams can participate for $120 per team.

All proceeds from this event will help the growing families in Whitley County. BABE not only provides assistance with baby supplies like diapers, wipes, clothing and even larger items like strollers and car seats, but the organization has created a community of support for moms. Nutrition classes, block parties, car seat checks and other educational activities happen throughout each month with the goal of helping moms build a support system while learning new activities to benefit their children.

“Being a mom is hard. It’s been so great to watch BABE expand and offer so many different opportunities for moms to be around other moms.” says Bri, mom of three who is involved in many of the programs at BABE. She continues, “Being able to experience motherhood with other moms has been a huge blessing.”

“This event is such a fun day for the community to get together, have fun, be competitive, and raise money for the families we serve right here in Whitley county”, says Jacie Stahl, Executive Director of Whitley County BABE.” She continues, “BABE is 100% grant and community supported.This event allows us to continue to build a community where moms can draw strength from each other.”

Many sponsorship opportunities are still available for the day of mini-golf at Paige’s Crossing. Each golf course hole can be sponsored by different businesses. Team registration is $120 per team and includes 18 holes of mini-golf and a Subway lunch. Teams can sabotage other teams by purchasing “dirty diapers” which can add strokes to other team’s overall scores. “The sabotaging has become quite a big factor in the score at the end of the day. This year we have some new “cheats” that can be purchased too.”, Stahl adds.

For more information on how to participate, sponsor or attend this event, please visit https://babewc.org/babegolf.

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ABOUT WHITLEY COUNTY BABE
Whitley County BABE is a non-profit organization in Whitley County that serves over 1200 people.  BABE provides quality incentives to parents who participate in preventive and prenatal care including parenting, educational and nutritional classes to promote a healthy pregnancy, healthy birth outcomes and early childhood development. In exchange for participating in preventive and prenatal care, participants are given a BABE Coupon that can be used to “purchase” diapers, wipes, clothes, strollers and more at BABE’s store located on Line Street in Columbia City. BABE also hosts various mom groups and activities and programs to provide support to the families who need it most. Learn more at www.babewc.org.